Starbucks brilliantly came up with the idea of designing mugs featuring iconic images of specific cities or countries, available exclusively in their respective regions. Consequently, an intriguing “underground market” for these mugs has sprung up online. Individuals unable to travel to certain locations to purchase their desired mug often rely on “intermediaries”. These savvy entrepreneurs specialize in procuring and reselling these unique Starbucks mugs.

Discovering the Roots of Collectible Mugs: The Story Behind Starbucks City Mugs

Starbucks Collector Mugs, affectionately known as Starbucks City Mugs, have been charming coffee enthusiasts and collectors alike since they first hit the scene. Introduced in 1994, this captivating series swiftly rose to fame due to its distinctive concept: each mug showcases a city or country, frequently adorned with motifs and symbols that are quintessential to that particular region.

Starbucks initially launched the vibrant “City Collection”, featuring mugs adorned with illustrations of various American and international cities. As time passed, they broadened their horizons and introduced new collections like the “Global Icon Series”, the inviting “You Are Here” series, and the latest addition, the nostalgic “Been There” series. Each collection provides a unique viewpoint of the cities they represent, brought to life through artistic and often vivid designs.

When it comes to diversity, it’s fascinating to note that there are more than 2,000 unique mug designs spread across various collections, each boasting its own distinct features and allure. Particularly coveted are mugs representing cities like Tokyo, New York, and Paris, which frequently find themselves at the top of collectors’ wish lists.

These mugs certainly have a wealth of fascinating stories attached to them. Take, for instance, a mug from the “Seattle First Store” series. This mug, which symbolizes the company’s inaugural store, was auctioned off for a staggering $2,000 on eBay. This rare, limited-edition item has evolved into a true treasure among collectors.

Each of our series boasts its own unique flair. The “City Collection” is renowned for its clean, minimalist designs, often adorned with stylized renditions of urban landscapes. Introduced in 2008, the “Global Icon Series” incorporates cultural and historical elements, lending each mug a distinctive and intricate touch. The “You Are Here” series, which made its debut in 2013, is celebrated for its vibrant, modern illustrations that encapsulate the spirit of various locales with a fresh, contemporary spin. Lastly, the “Been There” series, which first appeared in 2018, carries on this legacy with even more dynamic and story-rich designs.

Starbucks mugs are more than just souvenirs; they’re treasured collectibles that captivate enthusiasts worldwide. The pursuit of rare finds and the lively exchange among collectors have fostered a vibrant and devoted community. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or a passionate collector, these mugs narrate a distinctive tale of the places they symbolize, all while honoring local art and culture in a unique way.

What’s the Value of Starbucks Mugs?

While Starbucks doesn’t offer its mugs for sale online, you can find them exclusively in their physical stores. According to my research, the mugs from the “Been There” series are available worldwide at a consistent price range, typically between €35 and €60. This price can vary slightly depending on the city. You can find these mugs on various online platforms such as eBay and Amazon. Within this price range, you’re most likely to come across mugs from the latest series. Essentially, these are the same mugs you might stumble upon in your local Starbucks, which are then resold online.

Nevertheless, certain series can be quite elusive or may have ceased publication, prompting some sellers to list them at premium prices. Allow me to share with you a collection of my extraordinary discoveries.

Discovering Rare and Collectible Starbucks Mugs: Where to Look?

If you’re on the hunt for Starbucks mugs, a quick online search will lead you to a plethora of websites offering these collectibles. However, this particular site shines brightly as a treasure trove for collectors. It boasts a diverse selection of mugs from various series like “Been There” and “You Are Here”. Not only that, but it also provides in-depth information about each collection, including release dates and fascinating tidbits. Plus, the site makes it easy for you to buy or swap those rare and coveted mugs you’ve been longing for.

Wrapping It Up

I must confess, the intricacies of the Starbucks black mug market were entirely unknown to me, let alone the fact that certain rare mugs have fetched prices in the thousands at auction. While I may not be among the Starbucks devotees (their coffee isn’t quite to my taste), I can’t deny that they produce some truly appealing mugs.

Traveling always presents an opportunity to collect unique souvenirs. Currently, my collection boasts only a single piece, a vibrant “Montreal” mug. Despite having journeyed through numerous countries, this remains my sole acquisition. However, I’m eagerly looking forward to my next addition. A mug from Japan is next on my list, a place I’ve always dreamt of exploring.

L’article Starbucks collector’s mugs: a black market takeover est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.

Embarking on the Coffee Journey: It All Starts with Planting

Each country proudly presents its own unique terroir and distinct coffee cultivation methods. The soil’s composition plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the coffee. Similarly, the nearby flora surrounding the plantations contributes significantly to the coffee’s unique profile. Factors such as temperature, rainfall, shade, and altitude are also key players. These elements come together in a harmonious blend, crafting the distinct character of the coffee that you delightfully savor in your cup.

The world of coffee is abuzz with discussions about the countries that cultivate this beloved beverage. It’s a common perception that Ethiopian and Kenyan coffees are renowned for their enchanting floral aromas, while Asian brews are recognized for their hearty body and spicy nuances. Meanwhile, Brazilian coffees are often lauded for their typically smooth and mild characteristics. While these generalizations hold some truth, numerous dedicated farmers are working tirelessly to reveal the intricate and diverse landscape of coffee that goes beyond these broad strokes.

The soil type where coffee is cultivated has a profound influence, albeit its effect can be complex to understand. Regrettably, this crucial detail often gets missed out on packaging labels. You may frequently spot mentions of coffee grown on volcanic soil, but grasping its precise impact can be a bit tricky. However, there’s another tidbit that is consistently shared and, we believe, is much more fascinating – the altitude at which the coffee is grown.

Isn’t it intriguing to discover the significant impact altitude has on coffee cultivation and, in turn, its flavor? Coffee plants nurtured at higher altitudes tend to ripen more slowly. This slower maturation process results in beans that are denser and smaller than their counterparts grown at lower altitudes. As a delightful consequence, the aromatic compounds in these high-altitude coffees are often more concentrated, contributing to their distinct and captivating taste.

The Evolution Continues Uninterrupted

Once the coffee cherries are plucked from their branches, they embark on a fascinating journey of transformation, ultimately becoming the coffee we know and cherish. A key stage in this process is fermentation, often regarded as one of the most influential steps in defining the coffee’s flavor. However, the extent of its direct impact is a subject of ongoing discussion. Some experts suggest that “fermentation primarily facilitates the pulping process by removing the mucilage that surrounds the parchment”. This implies that while fermentation may not directly shape the coffee’s final taste, any errors during this stage could potentially spoil the entire batch. This captivating viewpoint can be explored further in issue 163 of the 1935 Journal d’agriculture traditionnelle et de botanique appliquée.

Isn’t it fascinating? Recent research has uncovered that a humble coffee bean contains around 30 aromatic markers before it undergoes fermentation. But here’s the kicker – this number dramatically soars to a staggering 3,000 after the process! This pivotal stage plays a key role in amplifying the delightful aromas that make your coffee so irresistible.

At this moment, we can distinguish four main techniques of fermentation.

“Natural” or the dry method :

Exploring the “Natural” or Dry Method

This method involves drying whole coffee cherries in the sun or in mechanical dryers. Producers then sort and dry the beans. This method produces more intense aromas, notably of red or exotic fruits. Historically, the dry method originated in Ethiopia, particularly in countries where access to water can be complex and expensive.

Let’s explore the dry process, which is conveniently divided into four simple and straightforward steps:

• Cherries are dried in the sun
• The result is a brown “café coque”. The cherries are dry when they make a characteristic dry noise as they rub against each other.
• Hull coffee” is husked in a machine
• Obtaining green coffee the “natural” way

“Washed or wet method :

Exploring the Washed or Wet Method

History This method originated in Jamaica, a country where humidity levels are often very high, and where air-drying is therefore complex. In this method, the beans are washed with water for several hours before being dried. It is often said that washed coffees are more acidic. This method is reputed to bring out the coffee’s intrinsic characteristics to the full. The taste is often more delicate.

After the parchment layer is skillfully removed, we’re left with a product fondly referred to as “washed” green coffee.

Embark on an enlightening journey with us as we explore the wet processing of coffee, guided by Juan Francisco Rivera at the renowned Finca Los Pinos in Peru. For a delightful visual experience, don’t forget to visit the original image source.

Semi-washed”, an intermediate fermentation :

Exploring ‘Semi-Washed’: A Unique Intermediate Fermentation Process

The aim of this method is to retain the aromatic benefits of wet fermentation. At the same time, it takes an ecological view of water consumption. Indeed, we know that the wet method is simpler to implement than the washed method, and seems to be more respectful of the fruit. The cherries are pulped, but instead of being fermented in vats and then washed, the beans are dried immediately.

The honey process:

Unveiling the Sweet Journey: The Honey Processing Method

Here, the aim is not to avoid the shortcomings of wet or dry methods, but rather to exploit them to improve coffee quality. It’s a clever fusion of the two approaches!

More precisely, before and after pulping the cherry, several variables come into play: the thickness of the mucilage, the type of drying – whether sun or shade – the amount of oxygen, the ripeness and variety of the cherry, and so on.

All these subtleties have distinct names such as black, red, yellow or white honey.

This method often results in floral, sweet and acidic coffees, ideal for mild extractions. On the technical side, the cherries are sorted in a flotation tank, then the fruit is pulped using a machine before being exposed to the sun for drying.

An interesting feature that gives honey its character: once the cherry is pulped, the remaining mucilage – the pulp – around the coffee bean caramelizes and takes on an amber hue.

We’ve only just scratched the surface with four fermentation processes, but there’s an entire universe of innovative methods out there, ripe for discovery. These range from intriguing techniques like anaerobic and carbonic maceration to thermal shock and infusion with fresh fruit, and even extend to lactic acid fermentation and beyond. The ultimate aim? To create coffees that boast unique and unconventional flavors. These flavors are awakened by microorganisms, which may either naturally exist in the fruit or be intentionally introduced. The resulting aromatic notes can be strikingly unique, promising a tasting experience that’s nothing less than extraordinary.

Embark on an Exceptional Journey with Our Specialty Coffee

In conclusion, the journey of coffee from the farm to your cup is a fascinating and complex process. The unique characteristics of the land, the impact of altitude, and the choices made during fermentation all play a part in shaping the unique personality of each coffee bean. By understanding these elements of coffee production, you, as a coffee lover, gain an invaluable insight. This knowledge not only empowers you to decipher the specifics on coffee labels but also assists you in finding the coffee that perfectly matches your taste buds.

Our planet’s diverse terroirs, soils, and altitudes provide a limitless palette of flavors for coffee lovers to explore. While general perceptions about coffees from different countries can be a useful starting point, it’s essential to delve deeper and appreciate the complex tapestry that truly defines each brew. In this vibrant world of coffee cultivation, farmers often go the extra mile to highlight the distinct richness of their beans, moving beyond mere generalizations to celebrate the unique character of their produce.

Altitude: A Significant Contributor

Altitude significantly influences coffee cultivation, affecting the slow maturation of the beans and enhancing their aroma at higher elevations. This crucial information, often highlighted on packaging, offers coffee lovers a tantalizing glimpse of the sumptuous sensory journey that lies ahead.

The Vital Process: Unraveling the Mysteries of Fermentation

The art of fermentation undeniably holds a central position in the world of coffee production. While the coffee connoisseurs might engage in spirited debates about the extent to which fermentation shapes the final taste, there’s a universal consensus that it notably amplifies the aromatic allure of the coffee. The diverse fermentation methods – be it natural, washed, semi-washed, or honeyed – each infuse distinctive elements into the coffee’s flavor profile, enriching it with layers of intriguing complexity and depth.

Venturing into the Unknown: A Look at Experimental Methods

Beyond the four fundamental approaches, the realm of research is positively humming with a plethora of innovative techniques. These captivating methods, such as anaerobics, carbonic maceration, and lactic acid fermentation, are unveiling an entirely new universe of opportunities in coffee processing. The ultimate aim? To craft coffees boasting distinctive, surprising flavors, all courtesy of the naturally occurring microorganisms within the coffee fruit itself.

As a fellow coffee aficionado, get ready to embark on a tantalizing journey through the expansive universe of coffee cultivation. Each unique flavor you’ll discover tells a captivating story of its origin, altitude, and processing techniques. With this knowledge at your fingertips, you’ll be able to handpick a coffee that will delight your palate in the most personalized and delightful way possible.

L’article Growing coffee: understanding its impact on the cup est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.

Allow me to introduce this podcaster who will share his fascinating work with us:

Introducing Rouge Soleil: A Closer Look

Welcome to our podcast! Here, we delve deep into the fascinating world of the plant that gifts us our beloved caffeinated drink. Join us on this exciting journey!

Our conversation extends beyond the technical aspects of roasting and extraction. It’s also about delving into a lifestyle. As the popular adage beautifully puts it: “Tell me what you eat, and I’ll reveal your identity.”

Our goal is to explore the Rouge Soleil system with the same curiosity and enthusiasm. Indeed, we believe there’s a wealth of knowledge to uncover, explain, comprehend, and share about that delightful treat that typically concludes our meals: coffee.

Whether you’re a novice, an aspiring barista, a seasoned roaster, or simply intrigued, Rouge Soleil is here to debunk the myths and misconceptions surrounding the beverage fondly referred to as “black gold”.

We’re absolutely smitten with coffee, not just for its invigorating taste, but for the myriad of shades, nuances, and aromas it possesses. It’s fascinating how coffee can communicate different messages, depending on how we engage with it. This deep-rooted passion fuels our desire to celebrate and champion the intricate complexity of coffee.

Just like the unforgettable experience of love at first sight, our initial encounter with an extraordinary cup of coffee is often etched in our senses, creating a lasting memory.

It wasn’t through scent or flavor, but rather the expressive gaze in his eyes that told the story. His eyes danced between the hues of a vibrant scarlet dawn and the radiant glow of an incandescent aurora, creating a captivating Sun Red spectacle.

We hope you have a delightful experience!

L’article Rouge Soleil, a coffee podcast est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.

Unveiling the Magic: What Makes Specialty Coffee Truly Extraordinary?

“Specialty coffee” is a term that signifies high-quality coffee, crafted from exceptional bean varieties. These beans often possess unique flavors that are intimately tied to their specific place of origin. In contrast, conventional coffee is mass-produced using less costly Robusta beans. The creation of specialty coffee involves the use of premium Arabica beans. Expert roasters employ cutting-edge techniques to highlight the distinct characteristics inherent to each terroir, ensuring a truly unique coffee experience.

Our coffee’s meticulous production processes yield a cup that boasts superior complexity and balance. Unlike your everyday brew, specialty coffee features a more pronounced acidity and an array of distinct flavor notes. From the tantalizing tang of juicy acidity to the rich allure of deep chocolate aromas, the spectrum of flavors is vast and utterly captivating.

Embark on a Journey to Explore the Rich Diversity of Specialty Coffee

Exploring the World of Specialty Coffee is an exciting journey for coffee enthusiasts. With the rising popularity of these unique brews, coffee lovers now have the opportunity to taste and appreciate a variety of beans from across the globe. Whether it’s the traditional regions or the exotic new entrants, farms worldwide are cultivating beans that each carry their own distinctive character.

• Ethiopian coffees such as Yirgacheffe offer floral and lemony notes, with a smooth mouthfeel.
• Colombian coffees produce a balanced, fruity infusion.
• Sumatran coffees reveal full-bodied flavors with earthy, herbaceous nuances.
• The list is long, and includes countries such as Guatemala, Kenya, and Peru.

Stepping beyond the geographical boundaries, there’s a whole world of diverse coffee bean varieties waiting to be discovered. Among the most popular ones are Bourbon, Typica, Caturra, and the exotic Geisha. While Arabica beans are the reigning champions in the specialty coffee market, the premium and rare Robusta beans are certainly not to be overlooked.

Strategies for Achieving Excellence: A Comprehensive Guide

Specialty coffee, with its intricate flavors, demands particular preparation techniques to truly shine. Among these, espresso extraction and filtered coffee stand out as favorites. The aim here is to amplify the efforts of the grower and roaster, bringing out the best in every bean. Espresso extraction uses pressure to create a rich, deeply fragrant coffee. On the other hand, filtered coffee involves gently pouring hot water over the ground coffee, yielding a lighter-bodied brew that’s just as delightful to the taste buds.

Exploring other brewing techniques adored by specialty coffee enthusiasts can lead you to methods like cold brew, French press, Italian coffee maker, and Chemex. Whether you’re using a state-of-the-art machine or a simple manual device, the goal of specialty coffee preparation is to extract the very essence of the flavors. Factors such as the quality of water, brewing temperature, steeping time, and the precise ratio of ingredients all play a crucial role in determining the final taste in your cup.

Discover Where to Purchase Exceptional Specialty Coffee

With the rising trend of specialty coffee, we’re seeing an exciting surge of new shops and roasters eager to cater to this burgeoning demand. This means you might need to step out of your regular supermarket routine and venture into specialized stores. Independent coffee shops are perfect spots to explore the world of specialty coffee, where each cup is crafted with meticulous attention. Many of these shops also offer beans for sale, allowing you to recreate and savor a delightful coffee experience right in your own home. Don’t forget about local roasters too, they’re a treasure trove of fresh, premium-quality beans.

Immerse yourself in the complete journey, from seed to sip, and gain a deeper appreciation for what makes specialty coffee truly remarkable. Consider subscribing to our coffee boxes – a delightful way to receive fresh beans and explore new varieties, all from the comfort of your own home.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of specialty coffee, where the flavors extend far beyond your everyday brews and supermarket blends. With an abundance of bean varieties and innovative preparation techniques at your disposal, you, as a discerning coffee enthusiast, are in for a continuous journey of delightful discoveries.

Immerse Yourself in the Rouge Soleil Podcast

Rouge Soleil is thrilled to express their deep love for coffee via an exciting new podcast. It’s a delightful listen that I highly recommend for all coffee enthusiasts!

L’article Specialty Coffee: Embarking on a Journey to Excellence est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.

Even though decaffeinated drinks undergo a process to remove caffeine, it’s interesting to note that they may still retain a tiny fraction of their original caffeine content. A recent study suggests that these beverages could contain anywhere from 1% to 2% of the caffeine they originally had. In some extreme instances, this could even rise to as much as 20%.

Diving into a Bit of History

In the year 1820, the accomplished chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge achieved a significant milestone by successfully extracting pure caffeine from coffee. Despite this breakthrough, Runge chose not to patent his process for creating decaffeinated coffee. His primary objective was not commercial gain, but rather a deep-seated curiosity to explore the molecule. While his efforts were commendable, they did not lead to any substantial advancements in comprehending its chemical properties.

The fascinating journey of decaffeinated coffee began with a serendipitous discovery by a German merchant named Ludwig Roselius. Back in 1903, Ludwig stumbled upon the first commercial decaffeination process, which he later patented in 1906. This unexpected revelation occurred when a shipment of his coffee beans was drenched in seawater during a sea voyage. To his surprise, the coffee had shed a significant amount of its caffeine content, yet it remarkably retained most of its delightful flavor.

Being a passionate patron of the arts, he generously supported several prominent artists. Among them were the likes of Paula Modersohn-Becker and Bernhard Hoetger, whose work he greatly admired.

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Roselius

Ludwig’s method of caffeine extraction was a serendipitous discovery. His shipment of grain was unexpectedly drenched in seawater throughout a voyage, leading to this breakthrough. However, this process has since been discontinued due to the harmful, carcinogenic properties of benzene. In its place, safer and less toxic methods have been innovatively developed to extract caffeine from coffee beans.

Exploring the Common Traits of Decaffeination Techniques

Decaffeination is a fascinating process that takes place before the coffee beans are even roasted. The real challenge lies in isolating only the caffeine from the beans, while leaving the rest of the chemical compounds untouched. This is no easy feat, as coffee is a complex blend of numerous chemical compounds, each contributing to its unique taste and aroma. The goal is to maintain these original concentrations, ensuring that your decaf coffee still delivers that rich, full-bodied flavor you love.

Caffeine, being a polar and water-soluble substance, necessitates the use of water in all decaffeination methods. However, water isn’t the perfect solvent for this task. Its lack of selectivity means it also removes other soluble substances, which isn’t ideal. To overcome this, most decaffeination processes employ specific decaffeinating agents. These could be methylene chloride, activated carbon, CO2, or ethyl acetate, all of which help achieve a more refined and precise decaffeination result.

Exploring the Various Methods of Decaffeinating Coffee

Decaffeinating coffee is a fascinating process that involves several methods, all of which are carried out on unroasted coffee beans. The journey begins with the beans being gently steamed. Following this, they are delicately rinsed with a special solvent. This solvent is quite remarkable as it extracts the caffeine but leaves the other components intact, preserving the unique flavors of the coffee. This rinse and steam cycle is repeated anywhere from 8 to 12 times. The goal? To ensure the caffeine content meets the required standards. In the US, this means achieving a 97% caffeine removal rate, while in the EU, the standard is even more stringent, requiring a 99.9% caffeine removal by mass. It’s a meticulous process, but one that ensures you can enjoy your coffee, minus the caffeine!

Unveiling the Process of Decaffeination Using Organic Solvents

Exploring the Solvents Utilized in the Decaffeination Process

In response to health considerations, the initial solvents used for decaffeination were supplanted by dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. Dichloromethane, predominantly used in the USA, is adept at selectively extracting caffeine due to its low boiling point. However, it carries a slight toxicity and carcinogenic risk, necessitating that the residual solvent be kept below 10 parts per million (ppm). Ethyl acetate, which also carries a slight toxicity, was introduced as a safer alternative to dichloromethane.

Interestingly, coffee that has been decaffeinated using this solvent is often labeled as “naturally decaffeinated”. This is because ethyl acetate, the solvent used, can be derived from a natural biological process like the fermentation of sugarcane.

https://www.maisonducafe.com/cafes/decafeination/

Exploring the Process of Supercritical Fluid Decaffeination

The process of supercritical fluid extraction employs_CO2 in a supercritical state, which selectively targets caffeine, thus only releasing this particular alkaloid. The process begins with coffee beans that have been soaked in water, which are then placed in a sealed extraction vessel. Here, the supercritical_CO2 is introduced and it moves through the coffee under high pressure, extracting the caffeine. The_CO2 functions as a solvent, dissolving and removing the caffeine from the coffee beans, while leaving the larger aromatic components intact. The caffeine-infused_CO2 is then moved to an absorption chamber. Here, the pressure is released, enabling the_CO2 to revert to its gaseous state and leave the caffeine behind. Let’s take a peek behind the scenes. The caffeine extraction process involves the use of carbon filters, and the_CO2 is conscientiously recycled. This method not only sidesteps the use of potentially harmful substances but also results in less exotic, yet commercial-grade decaffeinated coffees. You can easily find these on the shelves of your local grocery stores.

Unwind with Water-Decaffeination

In this delightful process, the coffee beans are gently bathed in hot water, which is infused with various elements that enhance the coffee’s unique flavor profile. After a meticulous 10-hour immersion, the water is carefully filtered through activated carbon. This clever step captures the caffeine, while allowing the flavorful components to pass through. The enriched water is then reunited with the coffee beans and gently evaporated. This leaves us with a beautifully aromatic coffee, brimming with flavor yet free of caffeine.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of coffee by exploring our history articles here. Happy reading!

L’article 3 methods for decaffeinating coffee est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.